Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Writers Who Deliver a Powerful Story

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills


A book has to grab me in the first sentence and then on to the first paragraph or I’m finished. Which means as a writer, I’m my worst critic.

Reading excellent novels invites me into a story world where I lose track of time. I meet new characters who have a compelling story, dive into unique personalities, and share an adventure with them. I admire how they solve problems and face life. In short, I want to get lost in their world.

Outstanding novels also motivate me to be a better writer.

The suspense writers who impress me with their creativity and storytelling abilities always teach and inspire me with their skills. When I’m in the middle of one of my own romantic suspense novels, I want to be reading a favorite writer whose work challenges me to deepen my own craft.

So who are the writers who entertain me?

Rosenberg’s highly researched contemporary novels brings the uncertain realities of the world to life with highly developed characters and plots that keep me up all night.

Steven is a friend, a fabulous writing teacher, outstanding speaker, and the creator of dynamic novels. I read his books because I enjoy the way he spins story.

David Baldacci - http://davidbaldacci.com/
Baldacci’s novels take the reader into plots and twists that I’d never imagined. Always a thrilling ride.

Coben’s mystery and thriller novels offer the reader masterful plotting and well-defined characters.

Other writers who deliver great stories:
Catherine Coulter - http://www.catherinecoulter.com/
Robert Dugoni - http://www.robertdugoni.com/
James Scott Bell - http://www.jamesscottbell.com/
Lisa Gardner - http://lisagardner.com/
Lynette Eason - http://www.lynetteeason.com/
Dani Pettrey - http://danipettrey.com/

Who are some of your favorite writers of fiction?

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Outstanding novels also motivate me to be a better writer - @DiAnn Mills (Click to Tweet)

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian Fiction books of 2014.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook: www.facebook.com/diannmills, Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills or any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

8 comments:

  1. DiAnn,

    What a great list of favorite novelists! Thank you. One of mine missing from your list is Daniel Silva who writes one book a year. I've read all of his work and I'm eager to read the next one which releases in July. His website: http://danielsilvabooks.com/

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  2. Hi Terry, yes! I missed Daniel Silva. And I'll preorder his next book.

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  3. Good list, DiAnn! I'd add Sarah Ladd. Her writing is terrific and her Regency-suspense blend inspires me for writing in my own genre (contemporary romantic suspense).

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  4. Hi, DiAnn!

    What a great list! Lots of excellent writers.
    I, too, lose myself in good books. They're my way of keeping sanity in an insane world.
    Thanks for adding to my 'favorite shelf'!

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  5. Some of my favorites: Alystair Reynolds, Jack McDevitt, Ann Aguirre, Kim Stanley Robinson, Chris Woodings and Gail Carriger among many others. Tee Morris and Pip Ballantine are the king and queen of steampunk.

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  6. I agree with you, DiAnn. Powerful writing is inspiring. Reading outstanding novels motivate me to be a better writer. I don't trust writers who are not avid readers in their own genres.

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  7. I love the twists and turns in Harlan Coben's stories. Just when I think I have it figured out, he tosses in something that throws me for a loop.

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  8. Patrick Carr for a great fantasy, Christy Barritt--for her Squeaky Clean cozy mystery series especially, Sibella Giorello for a good suspense mystery, Dee Henderson's yearly books for a "put your feet up by the fire" with plenty of dark chocolate and latte between dinners of slow-simmered soup--can't rush these reads, need free time and no putting the book down! Shall I go on? Young adult, Lisa Bergren (sp?) River of Time series; Hunger Games for the strong visualizations versus tell, Twilight series for the "talking like humans talk". Jan Karon (sp) can't be missed for the inspiration, some November I want to take a vacation in a mountain cabin with all her books, a lovely fire, and plenty of comfort food and snacks. I've got more...

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